Steve's story: deaf first aid videos

For Steve Wynne, a deaf first aid trainer, life has just become a whole lot easier following the British Red Cross’ introduction of a new series of signed first aid videos.

As a qualified first aid trainer, Steve (25) embodies the success of the Red Cross’ inclusive first aid programme, which helps people with disabilities play a full role in learning life-saving skills.

The busy volunteer from Margate in Kent, now runs his own first aid training initiative – Coachability – which provides disabled and deaf people with the skills and qualifications to work as sports coaches.

Signed first aid videos

He recalled: “I’ve been a Red Cross volunteer for some time now and trained to become a first aid trainer last year. Now I manage Coachability with great help from people at the Red Cross’ inclusive first aid programme and a few assistants. We’ve seen an amazing number of people pick up first aid and leadership skills.”

As a trainer working regularly with deaf groups, Steve has seen any communication difficulties decrease drastically thanks to the Red Cross’ downloadable first aid videos. Signed in British sign language (BSL), the mini-clips cover all the main first aid scenarios, and enable deaf people to learn life-saving skills wherever and whenever they want.

Skills and confidence

For Steve, the new videos are the icing on the cake regarding the Red Cross’ innovative approach to reaching deaf and disabled people with life-saving skills. He said: “No longer do people have to sit at home, feeling isolated and unable to participate. The inclusive first aid programme has given thousands of deaf and disabled people the skills and confidence to perform first aid.”

And Steve isn’t the only person recognising the changes. Another deaf first aid trainer, Robin Standing (64) – who has been a Red Cross volunteer for an astounding 55 years – thinks the videos represent a key step into the future.

He said: “They are very clear, a joy to watch and easy to follow. It brings a huge change to the old way of teaching first aid.”